Sweet Potato Chowder

We had snow day round 2 just last week and that called for soup...warm, hearty soup.
A friend of mine posted a photo of the most delicious looking sweet potato chowder and shared the recipe with me-- it originally comes from: here.

Now, to share it with you!

Sweet Potato Chowder

What you need:

5-6 slices bacon (we used sausage instead)

2 tbsp butter or ghee (or coconut oil for completely dairy free)

1/2 onion, diced small

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups of homemade broth (we used store bought broth)

2 medium/large sweet potatoes, diced small (about 4 cups)

1 bay leaf 

1/4 tsp dried thyme 

1/4 tsp dried dill 

2 cups thinly sliced kale, tough ribs removed (I made the mistake of purchasing the baby kale in a container--it would have been MUCH easier to cut buying it whole)

1 cup full fat coconut milk

salt and pepper to taste

fresh parsley for garnish

We doubled this recipe and it made enough for dinner, lunch, another lunch, and some to share.

It also freezes/reheats well. We froze some of the extra and had it for lunch a few days later.

What you do:

Cook bacon (or sausage) in a large skillet until well done and crispy. Set aside.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of fat of choice (butter/ghee/coconut oil) in a large pot. 

Add onions and cook until translucent and beginning to brown. 

Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Add broth, sweet potato, bay leaf, thyme, and dill. 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer (covered) until potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes (I did more like 20-25 because of doubling it--wanted to make sure the potatoes soft).

Stir in sliced kale and cook until wilted and bright green. 

Add in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped crispy bacon (or sausage) and parsley.

It was such a good soup--and, as far as soups go, it was super filling. 

Jason's already asked me to make it again next week--so, I have a feeling this one will become a regular in our winter food arsenal. 

Influenster (5) & (6)

I actually ended up getting these things pretty close together--like, within a month of each other--which has never happened before so, I'm going to share both of them!

First up, we have the Maybelline Python Metallic Lip Kit.

Yes, I know what you're thinking--and yes, I was thinking it too. 

Metallic lips--on a grown up--what the heck?

 They sent me the red duo and let me be honest with you--it wasn't all that metallic and I actually liked it. Once I saw how...tame it really was, I had fun with it. The metallic--lets call it, powder--was pretty mild and just gave the deep red a bit of a shimmer. I ended up wearing it out for New Years Eve and no one was craning their neck to take a look at my "metallic lips" so for me, that was a win. I  most likely won't buy myself another kit once I'm out but, I am definitely going to use this one that I received for free. 

Now, this next one I was SUPER pumped about. 

A full size, free bottle of Bare Minerals Made-2-Fit "fresh faced liquid foundation"...WITH MY NAME ON IT! Yes, personalized just for me...for free ($50 value).

I don't use liquid foundation. I found the powder I liked when I was in 7th grade and I've never used anything else--LOL. But, when Influenster offered this, I had to snag it. 

First off, you use an app on your phone to literally scan your face (skin tone) and they make a foundation color to match you. 

I didn't have high hopes that it would be an exact match because, come on, you're scanning your face using your phone. But, I was pleasantly surprised when mine came in. It was not the perfect match but it was pretty darn close. 

Also, giving the benefit of the doubt here,  because I don't have the right tools to apply liquid foundation--I just use my fingers/hands. Now that I know I like this stuff--you guys need to share with me what type of applicator tool I should use!

As always, if you're interested in hopping on the Influenster train and getting some free stuff check our their website here. 

2017, Here's to you.

2017 was a really great year for Jason and I. 

If I had to come up with a word that reflected 2017 for us it would have to be excitement. 

January:

We took a girls trip to New Orleans and saw the Lion King at the Saenger. 

It was amazing! 

February:

I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Rosaria Butterfield spoke at First Pres in Jackson. She was an outstanding speaker with a testimony like no other. 

Jason & I made a day trip to Memphis to celebrate Whitney, Max, and Little Baby Ava that was coming soon! 

Mary Claire and I participated in the Full Armor 5K to benefit Child Evangelism. The first 5K I've done in YEARS. 

March:

Ava was born and couldn't have been any more precious!

We had a weekend full of family, food, and great times celebrating Ellis & Jasmine

 My Uncle Edd, Dad's oldest brother, sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer.

I got my FINAL, FOREVER, AWESOME, PERMANENT crowns put on my tooth implants

The Cat in the Hat came and read to my classroom.

April:

This Easter was extra special with the addition of me being asked to be the narrator for our church's Easter Cantata--this was so special because my Uncle Eddie had been the narrator for our church's cantatas for many years past. It was an honor to be asked to do the very thing he loved doing. 

Not the best picture, but, one of the best moments! Mary Claire & Grant found out they were pregnant on the 18th and they came and told Jason and I just 3 days later. 

Mom and I were able to see Ellie Holcomb & Sally Lloyd Jones and it was a treat. 

We participated in the Walk for Multiple Sclerosis in support of one of our church members. 

Jillian Edwards was the entertainment the night of our Crawfish Boil at LPC and she was fantastic. Such a beautiful voice. 

May:

We celebrated Mother's Day on the Coast with our Cat, Jason's Mom. 

I completed and submitted 2 of the 4 components in working towards my National Board Teaching Certification (found out in December that I passed those 2 components--2 more to go!)

June:

I chaperoned our youth's trip to RYM Colorado and it was a week full of great teaching and breath-taking scenery. 

Hosted Melissa's baby shower for little Russell and afterwards took a few pictures for the soon-to-be parents

July:

Mary Claire and Grant found out they were having a GIRL--come on Ann Hatten!

 Our Annual Griswold Family Beach Trip

And while we were on that very trip, Russell decided to make entrance into the world.

After 5 years of having "my big girl job" I paid off my car!

Celebrated my 28th birthday

August:

This year marked the start of my 6th year of teaching and Jason's 7th--I can't believe it's been that long already!

One of the best bits of news school related this year is that another self-contained Special Eduction Teacher was hired and she has been fantastic! It's been so nice going back to have only 6 students in the classroom. 

Jason showed off his inner Chip Gaines and gave our garage closet a make over. I was so impressed & so proud! 

Showered this Mom-to-be! 

Enjoyed a night of wonderful music with another concert at LPC--Andy Gullahorn & his wife,  Jill Phillips

Started a book/Bible study with a group of girls and thoroughly enjoyed that. First, we went through "The Meaning of Marriage" by Tim Keller and now, we are about to start "Seamless".

I started taking guitar lessons from my Dad! This has been so much fun. Not only am I increasing my respect (and love) for music, but it's a special time set aside each week to just hang out with my Dad. I know I will cherish these lessons for many years to come!

September:

Mom & I took a trip to Auburn and got to meet my sweet, little, newest cousin, Logan.

Hosted a baby shower for Cayla and Baby Sawyer

Celebrated FIVE YEARS since Jason and I had our first "unofficial", official date at Papitos

October:

Celebrated Jason's 39th birthday (with one of the most delicious cakes, ever)

Little Miss Sawyer was born

We had the best time at the Lakeland Fall Ladies Conference

Russell was baptized

We had our annual BYOP -- this year at Ian & Melissa's new house!

Baby Myles was born and was cute as could be. 

November:

We had two baby showers to celebrate Ann Hatten's upcoming arrival!

Celebrated Whitey & Josh--I always love when weddings are the week before Thanksgiving Break because it reminds me of Jason & I preparing for our own wedding. 

We celebrated FOUR YEARS of marriage by taking a day trip to New Orleans--we ate, we walked, we shopped, and ate, and walked some more ;)

Celebrated Thanksgiving (which fell on our actual anniversary day) on the Coast with all of Jason's family

December:

Jason and I both got Fifths--yes, I want to remember this because it's almost funny (looking back now) how pitiful we were. Who knew Fifths Disease was so crippling for adults?! Here's to hoping you never find out!

The Pearl Pirates won the High School Football State Championship! First time, ever!

We had THE MOST beautiful Snow Day in Mississippi that you've ever seen

Celebrated Anna Miles & Matt

Had a farewell/going away dinner for one of our close friends

Celebrated Skyler and Chris 

 (im)patiently awaited Ann Hatten's arrival

I promise y'all that she's getting her own post, soon! Very soon! 

Had the most fun at an ornament & wine swap with the girls--and ended up with THE COOLEST wine that I've ever seen (19 Crimes--definitely look it up).

 And lastly, rang in the New Year with some of my all-time, favorite people. 

I think it's safe to say that this was the year for babies, weddings, and celebrations. 

Praise God for years full of new life, new beginnings, and many things to be thankful for!

2018, I am looking forward to what you have to bring!